Astronomy Picture of the Day ·
NGC 7293: The Helix Nebula
The Astronomy Picture of the Day for April 17, 1996 is “NGC 7293: The Helix Nebula,” an image. The picture is copyrighted by its creator (Credit: Anglo-Australian Telescope photograph by David Malin Copyright: Anglo-Australian Telescope Board). The original explanation runs about 169 words.
From the explanation
“The Helix nebula (New General Catalog number 7293) is estimated to be a mere 450 light-years from the Sun, in the direction of the constellation Aquarius . At that distance it may well be the closest planetary nebula , offering a dramatic snapshot of a brief final evolutionary stage in the life of a solar-type star.”
— APOD editors, April 17, 1996
Read the full explanation on science.nasa.gov
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At a glance
- Date
- April 17, 1996
- Type
- Image
- Credit
- Credit: Anglo-Australian Telescope photograph by David Malin Copyright: Anglo-Australian Telescope Board
- Copyright
- Copyrighted by the credited creator. Ask the copyright holder before reusing it.
- Explanation length
- About 169 words